UNLV ranked again, checking in at No. 25 in new AP poll

By Ryan Greene

Monday, Jan. 3, 2011 | 10:30 a.m.

As if Wednesday's game between UNLV and BYU wasn't already big enough, the magnitude bumps up a little bit now that both teams will have numbers next to their names.

The Rebels (12-2) checked in at No. 25 on Monday morning in the latest AP Top 25 poll. After being first in the 'others receiving votes' portion a week ago, they now occupy the spot left vacant by Temple.

In the ESPN/USA Today coaches poll, UNLV remains in the '26th' slot, tied with Baylor after receiving 50 votes.

The team's return to the AP poll comes on the heels of a two-week absence following a home loss to UC Santa Barbara on Dec. 15.

After that game, UNLV's schedule slowed down considerably, playing three times in the next 15 days. That run included lopsided home victories over Southern Utah and Central Michigan and a gritty win in Kansas City, Mo., over then-No. 11 Kansas State.

UNLV will host BYU at 7 p.m. at the Thomas & Mack Center on Wednesday night. The Cougars (14-1) moved up a spot from a week ago in the AP poll to No. 15. The Rebels own eight consecutive wins over the Cougars on their home floor, last falling to BYU at the Mack in 2005.

The Rebels' start to Mountain West Conference play is a tough one beyond just the BYU game.

After hosting TCU this Saturday evening, UNLV travels west to take on conference kingpin San Diego State at 7 p.m. next Wednesday at Viejas Arena.

The Aztecs ended non-conference play a perfect 15-0 and moved up a spot to No. 6 in both polls.

Duke remained the unanimous No. 1 team in the nation in both rankings, and is followed by Ohio State, Kansas, Syracuse and Pittsburgh to round out the Top 5.